When Clive asked for someone to take over the programme compilation, I foolishly volunteered – although I think in hindsight that everyone else must have taken a step backwards! This is an account of the trials and tribulations I faced from September 2009 until Show Week 2010.

September 2009 – I have my first session with Clive – after two hours my brain is in danger of seizing up! What have I let myself in for? However, provided I can get the hang of the publishing software, it should all come right in the end!

December – By now I have almost completed all the basics such as cast list,  Production Team, Officers, etc. Some gaps still need to be filled in while I wait for names to be confirmed.

February 2010 – I am concerned about artwork for the posters and flyers, but Clive has done that and arranged for their printing. Another session with Clive to brush up on the publishing software! I am becoming more used to it, and the programme cover is now ready! I am beginning to plan what goes on each page: however, this changes constantly as I realise again and again I have forgotten some important items! I begin to get concerned that my IT knowledge and technical ability is not really up to the task!

Mid February – I start doing the rounds, trying to drum up advertising for the programme. Other local societies are no problem as we usually advertise with them on a reciprocal basis, and all have agreed to carry on the arrangement. While most previous advertisers are happy to advertise again, one bargains about the cost, and I have to take an executive decision in order to secure the advert. Some do not want to advertise at the moment, and one or two have reduced the size (and cost!) of their advert due to the recession.

March – Artwork is received from advertisers where they have asked for changes; in other cases we are using advertisers artwork from last year. The Stage Director, Music Director, Chairman and principals have all been asked for their bios, etc – and most have had to be reminded that time is getting short!

Mid March – All artwork has now been received, as have bios from the principals. The Chairman has submitted his piece; more juggling with the pages to ensure continuity. By now, the programme is virtually finished apart from one or two names of the Production Team still to be confirmed; space has been left for biopics, rehearsal and photocall photographs. I print off the first complete draft programme; I am satisfied with the result. I have got as far as I can until after the photoshoot – I can now relax and enjoy my holiday!

Late March/Early April – The biopics, rehearsal photos and the photocall pics have all been taken. Clive has shown me how to reduce the size of the photos for the programme, and the programme is now ready for the printers. I can breath a big sigh of relief that all has gone fairly smoothly and relax! Roll on show week!

Jim Barley

Mahaba, Hello,

I recently visited my daughter Stephanie who lives in Saudi Arabia.  It was such a privilege to visit a kingdom that as yet permits no tourism.  I had quite an adventure and learned so much.  To dress as the Arab woman does, in the obligatory abaya (pronounced abiya), in order to leave the house, and the prospect of becoming one of the natives, so to speak, was very exciting.

Dressed in this manner Stephanie and I explored the souks, street markets and yes, shopping malls.  They have them there too.  My first encounter with a large number of Muslim women overawed me.  Their black shrouds billowed as they walked and their faces being completely covered made them look quite sinister.  They appeared to me like a rolling black cloud as they moved slowly across the marble floors.  It is the habit to stroll slowly because of the heat; temperatures can reach 45 degrees.  Westerners are excused headwear and the veil, and as I watched the Saudis, they in turn looked hard at me.  Apparently it is unusual here to see an older lady such as myself with her head uncovered.

Arab men are quite the reverse, a romantic vision, they look more like Rudolph Valentino or Lawrence of Arabia.  This is a male-dominated society and life here is full of surprises as a result.  For example, when eating outside the home the sexes are separated.  Men eat with men, while their wives (a man is entitled to four at any one time) eat with other females and children in a separate family area.  There are many such customs in Arab culture, but much of this culture is changing rapidly.

It is only seventy-odd years since oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia.  At that time the economy was based on weaving, pearl fishing and pilgrimage to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.  These old occupations were coming to an end when oil was struck.  The consequences of this newfound wealth is that the Bedouin culture is disappearing as Saudi Arabia is catapulted from this simple way of life to one of houses and hi-tech sophistication in under a century.

The traditionalists struggle to hold the 21st Century at bay by means of Koran law and censorship whilst the young, keen to embrace the modern world, adorn their abayas with colourful, sparkling decorations and below their hems sport stiletto heels and trainers. 

The story of Saudi Arabia and its culture is a fascinating one.  I do hope I have managed to give you just a glimpse.  I hope also to return for another visit in the future Insha-allah, God-willing.

Ma salamah – Goodbye.

1. What was your first show with ENOS?
Ruddigore.

2. What was or is your favourite ENOS show and why?
Mikado. It's the only one I've seen, and it convinced me that, having moved to Norfolk, ENOS was the company for me.

3. Your most disliked food.
Apricots

4. Your favourite film or TV show.
Gladiator

5. The part you would most like to play on stage (not necessarily G&S but anything, anyhow, anywhere).
Wotan in Wagner's "Ring Cycle". (Covent Garden would be nice!)

6. Any irritating habits, that is - your own.
Forgetting about unused fishing baits until it's too late!
 
7. Most embarassing moment.
Being stitched up by a stage crew in Stravinsky's "Soldier's Tale". I had to light a candle on stage - matchbox present - no matches!

8. Favourite animal.
Anything roasted!

9 . First musical memory.
The sound of unaccompanied choral singing. (As a result I've sung in Cathedral Choirs for most of my adult life.)

10. What did you have for breakfast (day not specified).
Orange juice, Cereal, Coffee.